Cheryl smiled and kissed Dylan. “Just make sure you always come back. Now, let’s go look at the hot tub on the back porch.”
Laughing, Dylan allowed Cheryl to lead him outside. She seemed so happy with the new house. He did have to admit that this was one of her better ideas.
-
Lamothian Admiral Zahn—the nearest Human pronunciation—was in his Command Center, studying the disposition of his fleet. A large holographic display showed the current formation of the Lamothian fleet as it traveled through the Bacchus Region.
“What is the greatest danger we will face in this Human system?” inquired his second in command in a rasping voice.
“We must not underestimate our adversary, as the Druins did,” answered Admiral Zahn. “The Humans in this system have demonstrated they can be quite dangerous. That is one reason why I am bringing such a large fleet to ensure our victory.”
His second in command nodded, as much as their bodies allowed. Lamothians didn’t really have a neck. Their large head was connected directly to their torso, which was very wide. “We must be careful not to kill too many of them. This world could be a good food resource for us for many years to come.”
Another of the sluglike Lamothians waddled over to where the two officers stood. Krek, the science officer, stated, “We should destroy all their weapons and ships. Once they are helpless, we can remove whatever Humans we wish from their world. If we continue to allow them to reproduce, we could have Humans available for feasts for a very long time.”
Admiral Zahn turned toward Krek. “That would involve us keeping a large fleet presence in this system for possibly generations.”
“True,” replied Krek, “but you enjoy the taste of Human flesh as well as I do. Just imagine having an unlimited supply available for years to come.”
“You mentioned a breeding program?”
“Yes, I have discussed it with several of my colleagues. Our government has even approved the idea. While we’re in the Earth System, I’m supposed to collect data to see if a successful breeding program is possible. Just imagine breeding the Humans to where their flesh is even more succulent.”
“It will drive the bidding in the food markets to new highs,” replied Admiral Zahn. “How do we go about deciding which Humans to breed?”
“By taste,” answered Krek. “I plan on doing considerable sampling once we have secured Earth. It will be part of my research.”
“We have to conquer Earth first,” Zahn reminded Krek. “While I fully expect to do that, it may be a difficult task. Don’t get too far ahead of yourself.”
“How soon before we reach the Earth System?”
“Two more weeks,” Zahn replied. It concerned him that Krek was more concerned about how the Humans would taste rather than the dangers in this mission. While Zahn expected his fleet could suffer some serious losses while battling Earth, however, capturing a world full of Humans would be well worth the losses the fleet might incur. It opened up many possibilities for the future.
-
Pallas Admiral Reynolds had called a meeting of most of his fleet admirals. Only Rear Admiral Leeson was absent. His Second Fleet was still on patrol out near the Kuiper Belt. Admirals present were Admiral Cleemorl of First Fleet, Rear Admiral Barnes of Third Fleet, Rear Admiral Collison of Fourth Fleet, and newly promoted Rear Admiral Masters, who would be in charge of Fifth Fleet, as soon as the ships were brought out of stasis and the crews trained.
“Everyone here is familiar with what happened when the Druins attacked Earth,” Reynolds began. “While the Druins were soundly defeated, a small part of their fleet did manage to escape and no doubt took considerable tactical information back to the Confederation. We’re here today to discuss if the Confederation will attack again and, if they do, when that might be.”
“The Confederation moves very slowly most of the time,” commented Derrick. “Sometimes it takes them years to make a decision.”
Admiral Reynolds looked intensely at Rear Admiral Masters. “Are you saying it might be years before they attack Earth again?”
Derrick shook his head. “No, that decision has already been made and was why the Druins were here to begin with because of this new situation. To the best of my knowledge, no Confederation fleet has ever been defeated. They’ve lost occasional warships but never an entire fleet, like they did this time. Plus our stealthed search of the Confederation, which exposed the Lamothians’ human food auctions, was an unprecedented event as well. Both of these must have frightened the Confederation. For the first time in memory, the Confederation may feel threatened. If they do, another attack would have been launched almost as soon as they learned of the defeat of the Druin fleet.”
Admiral Reynolds leaned back in his chair and folded his arms across his chest. “So, you’re saying we could see a second attack any day now?”
Derrick nodded. “Yes, it’s very possible. I believe the second—and bigger—attack fleet has probably already been launched.”
Everyone in the room grew quiet. They had all believed a second attack was coming but not so quickly.
“What should we do?” asked Rear Admiral Collison. “All of us have crews on leave, except Rear Admiral Leeson.”
“Recall them immediately,” suggested Derrick. “We have to be ready when the Confederation shows up.”
Admiral Reynolds put up a hand. “Let’s not rush into this. Rear Admiral Masters, how large a fleet do you think we’ll be facing?”
“A much larger one. The Confederation knows we defeated the six hundred ships of the Druin fleet. I believe we’ll be facing one at least twice that size or even larger.”
A frown crossed Admiral Reynolds brow. “All of you are aware of the new virus Linda Martin has devised to make Confederation ships powerless?”
Everyone nodded.
“Unfortunately we don’t know if it will work. If Rear Admiral Leeson can intercept this inbound Confederation fleet, he will attempt to use the virus to immobilize the enemy’s ships.”
“What are the odds of it working?” asked Admiral Cleemorl.
“Fifty-fifty,” answered Reynolds. “We tried it against some of the systems on the Druin ships we captured, and it successfully shut them down. However, we have, as of yet, to try it against a fully functioning warship.”
“Interesting dilemma,” commented Admiral Cleemorl. “If it works, Rear Admiral Leeson’s fleet will easily destroy the inbound Confederation fleet. If it doesn’t, it might take all of us to stop them.”
“That’s one reason why Rear Admiral Leeson has such a large fleet,” explained Reynolds. “If the virus fails, Leeson will have to hold out until we can get reinforcements to him. I would like to keep this battle outside the main parts of the Solar System, if possible.”
-
For the next hour the admirals discussed different strategies. In the end they decided to wait another forty-eight hours before recalling all the ship crews. At that time the entire system would go to a Condition Four alert—a heightened alert level, suggesting the possibility of an attack sometime in the near future.
As they were leaving, Admiral Cleemorl stopped to talk to Rear Admiral Masters.
“It appears you may be thrown into the fire quicker than we thought,” commented Dylan.
“I don’t have much of a fleet yet. I do have a new dreadnought as a flagship and a few battlecruisers.”
Dylan nodded. “It’s a start. Have you seen the Princess?”
Derrick smiled. “I’m acting as her military advisor, so I see her and Princess Krista on a pretty regular basis. As a matter of fact, I must go report to her the results of the meeting we just had.”
“How bad do you think this next attack will be?”
Derrick hesitated and then answered. “They’re coming. The Confederation will now consider Earth to be a major threat. They’ll hit us with a massive fleet and will hope to overwhelm our defenses, and then they’ll bombard Earth and all the colonies in the Solar Syst
em out of existence. That’s what we have to stop.”
Dylan let out a deep sigh. He had suspected as much. “Let’s just hope this new virus of Linda Martin’s works. I’ve seen what a planet looks like after the Druins bombard one.” Dylan was referring to his home world of Lydol Four.
“It’s our best chance of buying more time to get the Solar System ready,” answered Derrick. “Tomorrow I’m supposed to take the Princesses to Gateway Station to meet with the military leaders of Earth, as well as several of the main political leaders. It should be interesting.”
“I imagine anything involving the Princesses will be interesting. I already understand High Princess Layla has taken control of the Imperial Council.”
Derrick laughed. “She’s a pro. It’s what she has been trained for her entire life. It also helps that she’s beautiful and highly intelligent.”
Dylan smiled. “I understand Princess Krista is as well.”
A sober look crossed Derrick’s face. “They’re lucky to have one another. They’re first cousins and have always shared a lot of things, even in the Royal Palace.”
Dylan nodded. “Guess I better go find Cheryl and explain to her why our plans for the week have to be cut short.”
Derrick laughed. “Good luck with that.”
Dylan nodded. Maybe it would be wiser to tell her in the morning. Cheryl was always more reasonable after a good night’s sleep.
-
The next day Derrick was in the Command Center of a small destroyer-size warship especially constructed to carry the two Princesses. It had light weapons, a powerful energy shield, and was extremely fast. It was also completely stealthed.
The ship had two Royal Suites, one for each of the Princesses, as well as six more lavish quarters for guests, a large conference room, and a well-stocked cafeteria. The ship had a crew of 130, numerous Royal Stewards, and a number of the Royal Guards on board.
The ship’s name was the Starburst. Derrick thought the name fit the ship well.
“This trip would be much faster if we made a short hyperspace jump,” complained Captain Orin Darlu, an Imperial from Pallas.
Derrick shook his head. “The Princesses will seldom use a hyperspace jump inside a star system. By traveling in the manner we are now, they are announcing their presence to the entire Solar System.”
Captain Darlu nodded his head in understanding. “I’ve read up on the Royal Family and what happened to them in the final days of the Empire. I guess I have a lot to learn. Maybe I should spend some time reading more about the Royal Family and my duties as the captain of their ship?”
“That might be a good idea, though I think you will find both of the Princesses to be very understanding about any lack of etiquette. Don’t forget. Prince Starguard himself set up the Sanctuary Project,” Derrick reminded the captain. “If not for him, none of us would be here today. The Princesses also know that a lot of time has passed and that things are not what they once were.”
On the tactical display, Derrick noted the four Imperial battlecruisers serving as their escort. The Princesses would never be allowed to go anywhere without proper protection.
-
Krista was in Layla’s quarters, discussing the upcoming meetings. “It’s just like we were back home. Our fathers expected us to participate in meetings all the time.”
“It was part of our learning experience,” replied Layla, as she brushed her hair. She sat in front of a large mirror so she could get every strand in its correct place. She preferred it shoulder length, while Krista’s was much shorter.
“Do you think we can get Derrick to show us around Earth while we’re there? You haven’t had any alone time with him for quite a while. Our duties have taken up too much of our time.”
Layla let out a deep sigh. “We’re the last of the Royals. We have our duties to attend to. Our time does not belong to us. It now belongs to our people.”
Krista curled up her nose and put her hands on her hips. “I still think that sometimes we should be allowed to be ourselves. Maybe we can invite Derrick for a private meal again. I know you really enjoyed the last one.”
Layla turned to face Krista. “While I like the idea, we don’t want to get any rumors flying. Too much is at stake. We must concentrate on building up this alliance with the Earth Humans. All of our energy must be focused on freeing the Empire. That’s why we were sent to Sanctuary and why we went into cryosleep.”
Krista’s shoulders drooped. “I know you’re right. This will just be so hard on both of us.”
Standing up, Layla came over and gave Krista a brief hug. “Don’t worry. I promise I’ll arrange some us time soon. I’ll include Derrick, and maybe he can bring another officer along.”
Forcing a smile, Krista nodded. “I don’t know if I even remember how to act on a date, it’s been so long. At the Palace all our dates were highly supervised.”
“It’s a different time now, and, unless I’m mistaken, we’re the ones who will be making up the dating rules.”
Krista’s eyes brightened. “That’s right. For a moment I had forgotten.”
“One other thing. We’re meeting with some of Earth’s Imperial Council. They’re bringing some old history books of the early days, when the first Imperials were stranded on Earth. Maybe we can find out what happened to my brother and your parents.”
“I would like to know. I hope they were happy on Earth.”
Layla checked the time and was surprised how much had passed. “We better get ready. We’ll be meeting the Earth Humans and some of the Earth Imperial Council in a few more hours.”
Krista left to go to her quarters. Layla summoned one of the female stewards who served as her primary attendant. She wanted to make a good impression in the meeting. This alliance would be very important. She had to present herself as the rightful ruler of the Human Empire. In order to do that, she had to carry herself with confidence and poise. Something her father and mother had instilled in her from birth.
-
Several hours later the Starburst docked at Gateway Station. Colonel Henderson and Major Marcus were both there to greet the Princesses, as well as an honor guard.
Upon disembarking from the Starburst, the two Princesses gazed at the assembled honor guard as the Imperial March played in the background.
Princess Layla paused politely in front of the honor guard, nodding her approval. Then she moved to Colonel Henderson, who she knew from her briefing from Derrick was an Earth Imperial. “You honor me and the Empire with your greeting.”
“Welcome Princess to Gateway Station,” Henderson said with a slight bow. “I hope you find your stay enjoyable.”
“I’m sure I will,” replied Layla. “I believe we have a tour of the station planned before we begin our meetings.”
Colonel Henderson nodded. “Yes, I’ve arranged for a brief tour, and the main conference room is already set up for later. All the attendees are already here and should be assembled by the time we’ve finished our tour.”
“Excellent,” replied Layla. She turned and indicated for Derrick to step forward. “I believe you know Rear Admiral Masters. He is acting as my military advisor.”
“Yes, I know Rear Admiral Masters. You made a wise choice in choosing him for your advisor. He will give you sound advice and explanations on military matters.”
Derrick stepped forward and shook Colonel Henderson’s hand. “Let’s begin the tour. We have much to discuss today.”
-
For the next hour Colonel Henderson took them to some of the more interesting sections of the station, finally ending up in one of the large observation lounges that offered views into space.
“I love these views,” commented Layla, as she looked out at the stars.
“So do I,” said Krista, gazing at the Moon. “How many people live on your moon now?” Krista knew several large cities and numerous military bases were on Earth’s satellite.
“Nearly twelve million,” answered Henderson.
Krista nodded approvingly. “Humans have spread across the Solar System. That is a good thing.”
They stayed in the observation lounge for a few more minutes, enjoying the view and making small talk. Finally Princess Layla turned toward Colonel Henderson. “We should start the meeting now.”
Layla knew this would be an important meeting. While she was the High Princess to the Imperials on Pallas and to the Imperials on Earth, to the rest of the Humans in the Solar System, she was not. Part of her plans for today was to explain how the Royal Monarchy worked and the benefits of being part of the Empire. Of course much of that depended on freeing the Empire from the clutches of the Confederation.
-
Entering the large conference room, Layla smiled slightly as everyone stood. At the front of the conference table were two high-backed chairs for her and Krista. The two walked to the front of the room and then both sat at the same time. “You may be seated,” said Layla with a big smile. “I want to thank you for your attendance today. We have much to discuss.”
Brett Newcomb, the current leader of the Earth Imperial Council, stood, bowed, and smiled. “High Princess, I greet you in the name of the Earth Imperials. Let me introduce those in attendance today.”
Brett quickly went around the table, introducing the dignitaries and the military people present. Each stood individually and greeted the Princess with a slight respectful bow.
Afterward Layla stood and looked around the table. “Let me begin with a little bit of history about our Human Empire and the Constitutional Monarchy we use. I think most of you will find this interesting.”
-
For the next hour, Princess Layla explained in detail how the Empire worked and the benefits of being a member. At the end she paused and asked if there were any questions.
“What if Earth does not want to join?” asked President Vince Hughes of the North American Union.
“That would not be a problem,” answered Layla. “It took many years for all the colonized worlds in the Empire to decide to join. I realize, right now, with the Confederation in charge of the Empire, the benefits seem small, but, once we succeed in freeing the Empire, all that will change.”
The Forgotten Empire: Earth Ascendant: Book Two Page 18